Lethal Weapon (TV Series)
Lethal Weapon (TV Series)
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Lethal Weapon, which is based on the popular classic action-film franchise of the same name, contains the signature wild car chases, shootings, and drama the films are known for. There are lots of guns, bloody wounds, and dead people; crimes range from kidnapping and murder to illegal drug smuggling. Drinking (beer, shots, wine) is visible, and crimes such as drug-trafficking are discussed. There's some strong language and occasional sexual situations, and the teen use of marijuana is referenced.
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A classic throwback to the cheesy buddy cop movies, in good AND bad ways.
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What's the Story?
LETHAL WEAPON, a TV reboot of the classic film franchise of the same name, features two mismatched police detectives working together to solve crimes in and around Los Angeles. Damon Wayans plays Roger Murtaugh, an uptight Los Angeles detective, husband, and father who has just returned to work after suffering a major heart attack. He is partnered with Martin Riggs (Clayne Crawford), a former Navy Seal struggling with a major personal loss and who is willing to break the rules and take personal risks to get the bad guys. Working together has its challenges, as Captain Brooks Avery (Kevin Rahm) will attest to, but somehow they find a way to make it work.
Is It Any Good?
Full of fast cars, big guns, and crazy maneuvers, Lethal Weapon effectively mixes action-packed sequences with well-timed humor and occasional moments of tear-jerking emotion. Like the original rendition of Riggs and Murdaugh (originally played by Mel Gibson and Danny Glover), the pair's endless sparring fosters a relationship that's based on real friendship as well as professional loyalty.
LETHAL WEAPON is violent, and the crimes featured are in step with the issues of the day. But fans of the original will find something nostalgic and entertaining here. Meanwhile, folks looking for an explosive series to commit to will be easily drawn to the modernized version of this classic story world. The bottom line? It's a surprisingly well-written, well-produced remake that is really fun to watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in the media and in shows such as Lethal Weapon. Many popular films and TV shows feature lots of violent sequences as a way of being entertaining. What kind of impact does this have on how we see the world around us?
Teens smoking marijuana (and other substances) is often treated as normal behavior in the media. Is it in real life? How can we help kids understand these representations, as well as the consequences of these actions?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 21, 2016
- Cast: Damon Wayans, Clayne Crawford, Kevin Rahm
- Network: Fox
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: April 1, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Lethal Weapon
Mismatched cops spar in violent '80s action hit.
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Inside the mind of killers; not for kids.
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Artful drama weighs redemption in the wake of rape, murder.
For kids who love action
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